No. 28: Red Sox catching prospect Brooks Brannon
Brooks Brannon has a similar prospect makeup to someone we'll see later on in this list, Nathan Hickey.
Brannon is an offensive-minded catcher who many people have questions about whether or not he can stick at the position.
The right-handed hitter slashed .264/.303/.583 with three doubles, one triple, and six home runs between the FCL and Single-A. He drove in 23 runs and scored 12 more in 17 games (72 at-bats).
Brannon's a very raw prospect, and at only 19, it's clear that he'll grow as a player.
However, that "raw" label works both for and against him. Being so raw, we don't know what he'll be. Can that offensive potential shine through? Or will the power never be fully realized?
On the other end is the defense, though. Brannon's young enough that being labeled a bad defensive catcher isn't a death sentence. He has more than enough time to work on his craft behind the plate. Could it become a solid part of his game and make him a well-rounded prospect?
Listed at 5'11", 210 lbs, Brannon is an absolute unit behind the plate. He's an imposing figure with the bat who should regularly launch baseballs.
I didn't get to see much of him, but what he showed in Single-A was not a lot of walks and a decent amount of strikeouts. However, we also saw a lot of hard-hit balls and great run production.
Brannon has plus-plus raw power potential. He's going to hit the ball hard and should be able to put up good averages. If he can work on his plate discipline, the OBP will be great.
Defensively, he's got some work to do. However, Brannon possesses a strong arm. That's a good start for a catcher trying to stick at the position.
As for speed, well, he's a power-hitting catcher built like an Escalade. Speed isn't exactly what he's here for.
Brooks Brannon is in a perfect spot with the Boston Red Sox. With Kyle Teel in the system, there's no stress on Brannon. He can grow at his own pace. The bat should be elite. That will carry him as his defense improves. He's raw right now, though.
Hit: 45
Power: 60
Run: 35
Arm: 55
Field: 40
Overall: 45